Tully, 48, limped into the dock in his bare feet, He had bloodied bandages on his legs from dog bites suffered during his arrest. He wore blue track pants and a blue shirt and his shaven head revealed further scars and scratches.

He was remanded in custody to reappear on September 23. No application for bail was made, and the judge denied all media requests to film and photograph Tully.

Threat made to Work and Income in Blenheim

Meanwhile, a man has been arrested in relation to a threatening phone call to Work and Income staff in Blenheim this morning.

Armed Offenders Squad members surrounded a Koromiko house shortly after 1pm and arrested the 38-year-old man.

Police said the Work and Income office in Alfred Street was no longer under armed guard.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan said Work and Income staff never faced any direct threat and the lock down was a precautionary measure to ensure staff safety until an arrest was made.

No charges have yet been laid.

A joint statement from chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development Brendan Boyle and Deputy Commissioner, District Operation Viv Rickard said there had been a number of threats to Work and Income Offices over the 24 hours since the shooting in the Ashburton office.

Two workers were killed and one seriously injured in the shooting.

"We take very seriously any threats to MSD (Ministry of Social Development) staff," the statement said.

"While some of these may be idle threats, Police are taking action on each threat. In some cases, this includes shutting down sites until we're confident staff are safe.

"These threats are disturbing ? it's unacceptable that MSD staff are subject to such abuse in the wake of this attack. All MSD frontline staff are naturally shaken by yesterday's events, and this is the last thing they need.

"MSD and Police will continue to work closely together - MSD will refer each and every threat to Police formally.

People cannot and should not be able to threaten others without consequence."